Abstract

It would be difficult indeed not to be impressed with the scale and majesty of the Beijing Olympics in 2008. From the spectacular opening ceremony up until the almost as impressive closing ceremony, the Games were run effectively and efficiently. There were some hitches and glitches, but as a modern mega-event the Beijing Olympics will prove to be difficult for London and subsequent successors to live up to, not least because of the economic recession that has gripped the globe in 2008-2009. This article is concerned with the social, cultural and economic impact of the Beijing Olympics and what they tell us about the role of the spectacular consumer city.